Safety and efficacy of tubeless mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A single-centre study

Abstract

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the ‘gold standard’ treatment for managing simple and complex renal stones, with a success rate of >90% . Many modifications and refinements of the standard PCNL have been developed to decrease morbidity and hospital stay; such as the use of a smaller working sheath and nephroscope (mini-PCNL), omitting the use of a nephrostomy tube (tubeless PCNL), sealing of the nephrostomy tract with haemostatic materials, and PCNL under regional anesthesia. Aim : To assess the and safety and effectiveness of tubeless mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Material and method: In this retrospective observational study, patients with renal or upper ureteric calculi, who underwent tubeless mini PCNL between January 2013 and December 2020, were included. Intra-operative and post-operative events were analyzed. Written consent was obtained from the patients to participate in the study and to publish their data. Results: 900 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 37.92 years. 404 patients were females and 496 were males. Stones was in 52% in Left side 48 % in Right side. Renal pelvis was the commonest site of stone location. The mean operative time was 54.5 minutes. The mean hemoglobin concentration drop was 0.8 g/dl. The blood transfusion rate was 1.6%. Stone free rate was 95.33%. The mean length of hospital stay was 48 hours. Conclusions: Tubeless mini PCNL is an effective treatment with good clearance rate and acceptable morbidity in experienced hands.